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BA Midseason Cubs Top 10 Prospects and More

We are officially in the mid-season prospect ranking phase. And, although it’s not quite as exciting or prominent as it is in the offseason, there is still quite a lot to discuss.

After all, a lot can happen in just half a season (and with the trade deadline looming, it’s good to know the perceived relative value of your team’s assets).

Guys like Willson Contreras and Albert Almora Jr. can graduate, prospects like Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ can break out, and still other guys like Dylan Cease and Pierce Johnson can be slowed by injuries. The result is a brand new, often-rearranged set of rankings that reflect the many of the season’s developments.

Below is some information on the rankings along with some thoughts of my own.

The actual list/rankings is accompanied by a brief scouting report on each individual player, information on players that are on the rise/fall, who’s injured, who’s graduating and who to look out for next. However, because it is premium content, I can’t share too much with you. Instead, I’ll encourage you to check it out for yourself.

Here’s the list, according to Baseball America

Gleyber Torres, SS

Ian Happ, 2B/OF

Eloy Jimenez, OF

Mark Zagunis, OF

Jeimer Candelario, 3B

Oscar De La Cruz, RHP

Dylan Cease, RHP

Trevor Clifton, RHP

Duane Underwood, RHP

Eddy Julio Martinez, OF

We already knew who the top three would be, but it’s at least a tiny surprise to see Mark Zagunis over Jeimer Candelario. According to John Manuel, Candelario is close to the big leagues and has matured as a hitter, but is more likely a second-division regular than a true star. Zagunis, on the other hand, could use some work on defense, but is able to control the zone very handily (with strike zone judgement comps to Kevin Youkilis). Given his more aggressive approach lately, his production (particularly the power) has improved at Triple-A.

It’s also nice to see four pitchers in the six through nine spot, but it’s most interesting – in my opinion – to see Eddy Julio Martinez’s name starting to pop up. There was a lot of of uncertainty regarding his abilities and ceiling (both offensively and defensively/positionally), but Baseball America can see the potential. According to Manuel, Martinez has a shot at being a five tool player with average to above average skills across the board. He is a bit raw defensively (and hasn’t yet made the move to center field), but he apparently has the tools/skills to be an impact player.

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